Texas Accident & Injury News
Thursday, February 11, 2021, DALLAS/Fort Worth: Traffic crews and medics responded to several fatal car accidents overnight in North Texas as icy roads caused difficult driving conditions for people. At least eight deaths have been confirmed, officials said.
Pileup crash on I-35W in Fort Worth
More than 75 vehicles were involved in a massive pileup crash Thursday morning on Interstate 35W in Fort Worth, including several 18-wheelers, officials said. A number of people were trapped hours after the crash happened around 6 a.m.
Officials said it’s been declared a “mass casualty” event. At least five people were killed and around 20 to 30 people will need to be transported to the hospital. The highway remains completely blocked off as of 10 a.m. Thursday.
Two deadly crashes in Dallas
One of the crashes, which was a pileup, occurred around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday at Interstate 45 and Lamar Street in Dallas.
A chain-reaction crash involving 18-vehicles went up a hill and hit a patch of ice that covered the entire service road, officials said.
According to investigators, the first vehicle involved in the crash hit the ice, lost control, and struck the retaining wall becoming disabled in the roadway. That’s when a person in a second vehicle stopped to help the other driver.
Officials said that man was struck by several vehicles. At that point, a separate collision with multiple vehicles pinned him against a wall. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. His name has not been released at this time.
Authorities said an additional collision occurred afterward which involved a Dallas police officer. No injuries were reported in this crash, according to police.
Another fatal crash occurred around 12:55 a.m. at I-45 and Illinois Avenue. Two people were killed in this accident and a driver is in critical condition. Authorities have not released the names of those who died.
Fatal accident in Arlington
Arlington police also responded to a crash involving a pedestrian and a vehicle at the intersection of Medlin Drive and West Arkansas Lane at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Authorities said a man was trying to cross the street in the middle of the roadway when he was struck. Officials pronounced him dead at the scene. No charges are expected in this case.
Investigators said they haven’t ruled out the possibility that weather conditions may have been a factor due to poor visibility in the area.
Arlington police said they have responded to a total of 82 crashes since 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Driving tips during wintry weather conditions
The three things to remember when driving in wintry weather conditions include:
- Prepare your vehicle by checking the levels of your anti-freeze, your wiper fluid, and then also making sure your tires and battery are in good condition. These are the systems most affected when the temperature drops. Clear snow and ice from windows and lights on your car.
- Plan your route strategically, avoiding high traffic spots if possible and bridges and overpasses as we mentioned. Get the weather forecast and check road conditions. Stay home if possible if the route or time may be hazardous to driving.
- Protect yourself and your vehicle by defensive driving. Decrease your speed and increase the distance you leave between other drivers. Wear your seatbelts, avoid talking on the phone while behind the wheel and never text no matter what the conditions.
If you, a family member or loved one has been injured or has suffered a wrongful death due to driving accidents, contact an attorney who specializes in these cases to review your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for damages, medical treatments, and lost wages due to the incident.
Lawyers at Carabin Shaw help clients get the care and attention they deserve after a serious incident. Our experienced attorneys represent people and families who have suffered catastrophic injuries and tragic wrongful deaths throughout the US. If you or a loved one has been injured contact us today at (800) 862-1260.